Page 37 of Her Athlete's Wedding Secret

Aubrey appeared at the doorway. “Ladies! It’s time for you to line up downstairs.”

“I still can’t believe I get to have my wedding here. It feels surreal,” Tessa said. She didn’t want to get a divorce from Benson, so this was her only shot at a wedding. He may never learn to love her, and she accepted that.

If she did end up with a divorce, she wanted to walk out of it as unscathed as possible. That meant she would have to keep her heart locked up. She didn’t want to end up broken and scattered like her mom, still pining after a man who didn’t want her.

She found her place at the end of the line. Her dad had come to town for the occasion to walk her down the aisle. She hadn’t told him the truth about her wedding to Benson. As far as her dad knew, she was blissfully happy. “Hi, Dad.” She put her arm around his.

“Hi there, sweetheart.”

“I’m so glad you could come.”

“I wouldn’t miss your big day for all the world,” her dad said.

She leaned into him, and he wrapped his free arm around her in a hug.

“I’m so proud of you,” he said. “You’ve grown up into such a beautiful woman. I hope this man of yours brings you all the happiness you deserve.”

Guilt sunk into her belly. Maybe she should have told her dad the truth about her wedding. He didn’t deserve to be lied to. But she was afraid that he might say something to her mom, and she didn’t want her to be upset.

She had a feeling her parents wouldn’t like it if they knew the truth about the nature of their wedding. They would probably try to talk her out of it. Her mom didn’t understand Tessa’s desire to leave Maple Creek. She thought her job as a piddly little small-town reporter was just fine. And maybe it was for people like Joan. But it wasn’t fine for Tessa.

“Are you ready?” her dad asked.

Tessa looked up to see that it was time for her to walk down the aisle. The wedding was set up behind the gigantic historic home. Flowers were everywhere. Layla had outdone herself. And Benson had spent way too much. But she knew he was happy to do it, and it helped her friend’s business.

Tessa stepped off the veranda with her father escorting her. Before she knew it, she was going to be Mrs. Benson Patrick. It seemed surreal to think she would be a married woman by the time she reentered into the mansion.

Benson stood near the archway with the pastor. He looked fantastic in his gray suit and light pink tie. All Tessa could think about was the kiss they were about to share. She wanted to know what it was like to kiss him. Was he even a good kisser? Not that she’d had that much experience. She’d hardly been kissed. But she’d read plenty of romance novels, and she had a pretty good idea of what a good kisser was supposed to be like. She had a feeling that if Benson had dated a lot, then that meant he’d had plenty of time to practice.

Ugh. Why was she thinking about this when she was walking down the aisle? She was supposed to be thinking sappy thoughts about how happy she was. But her mind was a jumbled-up mess of questions all shouting to be heard at once.

They reached the end of the aisle, and her dad handed her off to Benson. He took her small hands in his. He had such large, strong-looking hands. Perfect for throwing footballs. Or stroking her hair off her neck as he leaned in to kiss her. She was about to find out about that. She blew out a breath, and Benson smiled at her.

Could he tell how nervous she was? She studied him. He seemed…relieved. Did he think she was going to back out? He probably wouldn’t have blamed her if she did. But it would have been his career on the line. She wouldn’t do that to him. Maybe that was stupid of her. But she wanted the opportunity to get out of Maple Creek, and this was her chance.

She turned to the pastor. He was speaking to them. She barely registered his words. She responded at the appropriate times, but it was a blur. The next thing she knew, the pastor was permitting Benson to kiss his bride.

Tessa’s breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t been kissed in averylong time. And her groom was better looking than she could have imagined. Benson leaned forward and tenderly pressed his lips to hers. His mouth was surprisingly warm and soft against her. He tasted fresh, like spearmint. Warmth radiated through her. She reached her arms up and put them around his neck. Benson pulled away and looked down into her eyes. She felt her heart swelling in her chest. This man was her husband now. And she was incredibly lucky to have him.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Mr. and Mrs. Patrick.”

The crowd cheered, and cameras flashed all around them. The music began playing, and Benson gave her his arm. They walked back up the aisle together. “Can you believe we’re married?” Tessa asked him.

“No. That went way too fast.”

“Yes, it did,” Tessa said. “Does it seem weird to you?”

Benson laughed. “Yes. It feels crazy. I can’t believe we just did that.”

“Me neither.” Tessa laughed with him, and she felt her nervousness melting away. She felt like she was beginning an insane journey with this man. She just hoped she didn’t end up regretting it.

“Congratulations, Benson!” His mom came and hugged him. She had short, dark hair and a broad smile.

“Come here, son. Hug your old dad.” Benson hugged his dad.

“Tessa!” Her mom approached her. “That was such a beautiful ceremony! I can’t believe I just watched my baby girl get married.”

“I can hardly believe it myself,” Tessa admitted.

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